2010 May 29

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This book, published by the Getty Conservation Institute, is a fascinating read AND it is available free, on the web as a PDF file. Check out the description from the Getty’s website below:

As part of its long-term interest in the preservation of mosaics in situ, the Getty Conservation Institute, working with the Cyprus Department of Antiquities, undertook the conservation of the Orpheus Mosaic, one of several mosaics located in the archaeological zone at Paphos. The mosaic is part of the remains of a Roman villa that dates back to the late second or early third century.

The project involved detaching the mosaic using a rolling technique (the mosaic was in need of a new support), cleaning the back of the mosaic, applying a new mortar bed, and reinstalling the mosaic at its original site. Other aspects of the project included formal training in mosaics conservation, environmental monitoring, analyzing the mosaic’s tesserae, and constructing a hexashelter to protect the mosaic.

We were especially enthralled with the description and photos of the giant “drum” which was used to roll the mosaic out of its original position.

It’s free. It’s fascinating. And it’s the Getty. What more could you want? Go, already.

When you’re done with that, check out the Getty’s video on their joint project with Tunisia’s Institut National du Patrimoine to preserve that country’s exquisite mosaic heritage in situ. Technicians are taught how to document, evaluate, refurbish, and maintain ancient Roman mosaics. Fabulous.http://www.getty.edu/conservation/publications/videos/mosaics.html

Enjoy — Nancie

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If you are anywhere in the vicinity of Minneapolis, today and tomorrow you have an extraordinary opportunity to view the Byzantine mosaics of Lakewood Cemetery’s Memorial Chapel. Complimentary guided tours will be available every half hour between Noon and 3:00 PM both days as the Chapel celebrates it’s 100 anniversary.

Modeled after the Hagia Sophia on the outside, the inside of this beautiful building is covered top to bottom with glorious mosaics inspired by those found in the San Marco Cathedral in Venice. Mosaic designer Charles Lamb was commissioned in 1909 to design the mosaics at a cost of $25,000.

Lamb recruited six Roman mosaicists who had worked on the Vatican to create the mosaics in Italy and install them in the Chapel.

To quote a woman in Minnesota Public Radio’s great story, ” . . . you might as well go in and have your socks blown off.”

Can’t get there? No worries.

To download and view Lakewood’s lovely brochure on the Chapel, click here

To listen to Minnesota NPR’s great story about the Chapel and see more glorious photos

We were unable to find much about Charles Lamb on the web, however we did find J & R Lamb Studios of New York (1857-1999). The Library of Congress has images of over 2,500 original drawings and designs for sacred mosaics and stained glass works by the Studio. This archive is a treasure trove and a great way to spend a lazy Sunday. http://www.loc.gov/pictures/collection/lamb/